Factors Affecting Worksite Employee Presenteeism

Abstract

PURPOSE: The cost of health care has been a consistent focus for employers in worksite health management. Yet, the importance of health on productivity can be equally as important (Schultz & Edington, J Occup. Rehab. 2007). Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the individual health risks or combinations of traditional health risk appraisal (HRA) measures in three major worksite industries and their influence on presenteeism (decreased on-the-job performance due to health problems). METHODS: Employees of eight Houston, TX companies specializing in Energy, Petroleum, or Legal Services were assessed using Healthy Lifestyle Screenings (HLS) from 2005-2006. A total of 476 employees (197 males, 279 females) completed an eight-page questionnaire in addition to providing biometric measurements and a blood lipid panel similar to many HRA's. Chi Square analysis was used to determine significant differences between the proportional values of the variables. RESULTS: The chi square analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) between a measure of presenteeism (number of sick days) and exercise days per week (χ2=9.8), perceived stress level (χ2=6.8), and perceived health (χ2=22.8). There were no significant differences between ethnicity (African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics) or educational level in relation to the number of days absent from the work place. A regression analysis was completed to determine the emphasis that each of the variables had on the measure of presenteeism. The analysis showed that when accounting for the actual number of days missed at work, these HRA variables accounted for approximately 7% of the variance in the model. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the number of exercise days per week, the perceived stress level, and the perceived health of employees, significantly influence presenteeism. Further research is needed to identify other variables that would improve the ability to predict this important outcome.